Leave Nigerians alone, stop imposing leaders – CD tells Obasanjo
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/06/leave-nigerians-alone-stop-imposing.html

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has called on former President Olusegun Obasanjo to stop imposing leaders on the the people of Nigeria.


Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The group in a statement by its national secretary, Ifeanyi Odili said Obasanjo had paid his dues and should leave the stage for younger ones.

Odili noted that most of the problems of the country were direct consequences of the imposition of leadership by the former president.

“You will recall that soon after you could not achieve your third term agenda you foisted Umaru Yar’adua on Nigeria.

“Soon after the gentleman bowed to death, you again did all you could to give us Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

“You fought him to a standstill and he eventually lost his second term bid. Consequently, you came up with Muhammadu Buhari.

“Baba, today, Nigeria is in a mess. Any government that cannot guarantee the security of its people is like a salt that has lost its taste.
“Recently, you visited Baba Fasoranti of Afenifere in his Akure country home seeking his support to end Buhari’s government.

“Baba, your time is far spent. The market is over. It is time you should leave Nigeria and Nigerians alone.

“It is time you should go back to Ota farm, relax, enjoy your old age and wealth.

“If death comes knocking at your door and you answer it, will that be the end of this country?

“May God Almighty bless your old age. This we ask in faith and thanksgiving,” he said.

N1.64BN FRAUD: EX-TARABA GOV, NYAME, BAGS 28-YEAR JAIL TERM
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/n164bn-fraud-ex-taraba-gov-nyame-bags.html

A high court of the Federal Capital Territory yesterday sentenced former Taraba State governor, Jolly Nyame, to 28 years in prison.Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to the court headed by Justice Adebukola Banjoko, the former governor is to serve 14 years for criminal breach of trust, two years for criminal misappropriation, seven years for gratification and five years for obtaining by dishonesty. Nyame, whose trial began on July 13, 2007 was charged to the court located in Gudu with 41-count by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for criminal misappropriation, diversion of public funds and breach of public trust. In a ruling which lasted more than 4 hours, Justice Banjoko found Nyame guilty of counts 1, 2, 6, 8,10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33 and 36 charges bordering on criminal breach of public trust, counts 3, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 23 and 25 charges bordering on misappropriation of public funds, counts 4 and 5 charges bordering on gratification. He was however discharged of counts 22, 24, 26, 28, 32, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41. In her ruling, Justice Banjoko noted that Nyame, a clergyman as governor of Taraba, breached the trust reposed in him by the indigenes of the state when he misappropriated N250 million which he approved purportedly for the purchase of stationery for the state. “From the totality of facts before the court, Nyame approved N250 million for purchase of stationery, but is found to have no intention to fulfill the purpose,” the trial judge held. In the course of the trial, the prosecution called 14 witnesses and presented documentary evidence, which among other things revealed that the N250 million was shared and never utilised for the purpose for which it was approved. It was also revealed that a total of N180 million was diverted to the bank account of Salman Global Ventures Limited, which provided no services for the state. However, Nyame had during the trial denied knowledge of Salman Global Ventures Limited. But in her judgement, Justice Banjoko noted: “Immediately the fund was released, his verbal instruction was given, that N180 million be paid to Salman Global Ventures. “The audacity of the defendant to divert N180 million from the N250m to the company, shows that he had more than a casual interest and so can’t hide behind a screen. There was no evidence to show that Salman Global Ventures bidded for any contract”. The trial judge said within five weeks, Salman Global Ventures received over N300 million from the state coffers. Nyame was also found guilty of “misappropriation and misapplication of N165 million with dishonest intention”, as well as the misappropriation of N24,300,000 purportedly approved for “purchase of grains”. Justice Banjoko held that Nyame is “guilty of criminal breach of trust beyond reasonable doubt”, even as he also found him guilty of the offence of gratification as stated in count 4 of the charge. The EFCC had accused him of accepting a gratification of N80 million from Abubakar Suleiman of Alusab International (Nig) Ltd through Salman Global Ventures “as a reward for the award of contract by the Taraba State government to USAB International Limited”, an offence punishable under Section 115 of the Penal Code Act 1990. In his allocution, the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, urged the court to consider that Nyame was a first-time offender, and a family man who had dependents to cater for. “He served the people of Taraba State for eight years, and through him the lot of the people in the state were bettered,” he argued. Ojo prayed the court to “take into consideration the selfless service of the convict, who has no criminal record of any sort and is still less than 60”. In his counter-argument, prosecution counsel, O.A. Atolagbe, urged the court to take into cognizance the aggravating effect the action and inaction of Nyame had on the people of the state. Citing Section 416 2 (a) (d) (e) and (f) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, he urged the court to put into consideration the aggravating factors on the state. He also drew the attention of the court to the FCT Courts Practice Direction 2016, stressing that Nyame, played a leadership role in the commission of the offence. “He abused his position of trust and caused severe harm to the society and economy of the state, and so the effect of the offence must be put into consideration,” he argued, adding that, “claim of selfless service is far from the truth”. After listening to the arguments of both counsel, Justice Banjoko gave her sentence, saying despite the claim of being a first-time offender, a family man, and his service, “I am morally outraged with the facts of this case. “There’s no moral justification for the level of outright theft, and the Court must therefore, impose a statement, hopefully as a deterrent to other public officers who may be similarly inclined”, she added. Name Bribe-taking Lawmakers, NASS Dares Jega Meanwhile, members of the National Assembly yesterday took a swipe on former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, for accusing the lawmakers of bribe taking. The lawmakers accused the former INEC boss of denigrating the image of the National Assembly, even as they dared him to name the bribe taking lawmakers. Both chambers of the National Assembly responded to Jega’s allegation that lawmakers are notorious for bribe taking. The Senate specifically said if Jega cannot name the lawmakers collecting bribe, there is need to call him to order and ensure he faces the consequences of his actions. Jega had said chairmen of committees in the National Assembly were more notorious for bribe-taking antics. He made the allegation in Abuja recently while delivering a lecture titled, ‘Peace Building and Good Governance for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” as part of activities organised to mark the 2018 Democracy Day. But moving a motion on Order 43 yesterday, Senator Isah Misau (Bauchi Central) said the comments by Jega were weighty and very embarrassing to the lawmakers. Senate President Bukola Saraki while ruling on the matter said, “We were all embarrassed by the comment and it is slight on integrity of lawmakers. If Jega cannot name any of those members he feels are notorious in collecting bribe during oversight, then, the matter should be put to rest.” nPDP Didn’t Request For Stoppage Of Saraki’s Trial – Baraje The chairman of the defunct new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), Alh Abubakar Kawu Baraje, yesterday debunked reports suggesting that the group requested for the stoppage of Senate President Bukola Saraki’s trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal(CCT) during their meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Baraje, in a statement issued in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, described as ‘blasphemy’ the said meida report that part of the requests of his group was the stoppage of the ongoing trial of Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Describing the reports as a flagrant lie, total blasphemy and far from the truth, Baraje disclosed that “nothing of that nature was part of the issues raised or discussed at the meeting the group held on Monday with the Vice President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja”. He stated: “There was no mention of anybody’s case talk less of the Senate President, Dr Saraki at the said meeting. I want to warn that if this is the way we want to handle the issue by creating bad blood against our group, through the media, it will not augur well for them and we are therefore warning that blasphemy and arrant lies cannot resolve the matter at hand. “I want to also disclose that at the last meeting, the Vice President requested and appealed to us that we should all keep our mouth shut until we reach the final stuck, that’s why we are not talking to the press. “If the media houses concerned do not stop this blasphemy, particularly, The Nation Newspaper, this issue will be very difficult to solve and the group or myself as a person is ready to take any news media to court for blasphemy”. Baraje also described as untrue an online publication, which claimed that he was occupying a juicy position at a parastatal. Declaring that he had never occupied any position in any board under the present administration, he said, “I have been existing and living in accordance with my own legal means for the past three years and I’m not complaining. “The complaint we are raising is that all the issues we raised when we left PDP are now resurfacing, particularly lack of respect for the rule of law and that there is total anarchy; that the government does things as it likes against anybody which was happening in PDP when we left.” My CCT Trial Never Part Of Discussions At nPDP Meeting With Osinbajo – Saraki Also the, Senate President Bukola Saraki said yesterday that his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) was never discussed at the new PDP meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Saraki, in a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Yusuf Olaniyonu, described the publications as false. Olaniyonu said, “Ordinarily, Dr Saraki would have ignored the story as he has done in the cases of other speculative ones concerning the on-going discussions between the new People’s Democratic Party (nPDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government published by the newspaper. “But since this story specifically mentioned an issue concerning him and the newspaper is associated both in ownership and viewpoint with a section of the APC leadership, it may be perceived to have some level of authenticity”.

SURULERE GROUP SAYS NO TO HON. GBAJABIMIALA’S FIFTH TERM BID
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/surulere-group-says-no-to-hon.html

Weeks after popular political commentator and radio show host, Jimi Disu said that his younger cousin and lawmaker representing Surulere Federal Constituency I in the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila must not run for office for the fifth term, a political group in Surulere community has also spoken against the ambition of the lawmaker.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The group, Surulere Unites, expressed its thought on the ambition of the lawmaker via a gigantic banner placed in the heart of Surulere community, Lagos Mainland, with an inscription which says “we say a big no to 5th term for Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.”
Meanwhile, the group endorsed Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to run for a second term in office. Also, Surulere Unites backed Senator Oluremi Tinubu to run for office for the third term.
Recall that Jimi Disu in a post shared via his official website, said that ‘Gbaja’ as Gbajamiala is fondly called “should allow another person to also contribute his or her quota to the development of Surulere Constituency.” The comment by Jimi Disu is however yet to draw any reaction from Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila or his camp.
The actions of Surulere Unites in wanting Hon. Gbajabiamila to shelve his fifth term ambition is coming weeks after leading stakeholders and other political groups in Surulere community endorsed the lawmaker to run for office for a fifth term.
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has been in the Federal House of Representative representing Surulere Federal Constituency since 2003.

GOV AMBODE GOES SPIRITUAL IN IKEJA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/gov-ambode-goes-spiritual-in-ikeja.html

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode attributed the remarkable achievements recorded by his administration in the last three years in all sectors to the hand of God, saying the feats attained across the length and breadth of the State were divinely inspired.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Ambode who spoke at a Special Thanksgiving Service held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja On Sunday, Lagos Mainland, to mark the third anniversary of his administration, said it was obvious from the upward trajectory of the State that God was involved in the process of thinking, planning and executing policies and programmes for the people.
“In two days time, we will be three years in the saddle of this major task. There is no other way to celebrate and that is why we are doing this service because we believe strongly that there is no way we would have made the level of progress so far made without some supernatural hands and we want to give God all the thanks.
“No matter how much strategy that you have read in school or how much work you have done in the public service, it is not possible for you to put a plan up, strategize and try to implement and it works. If it is working back to back and consistently, there has to be some other source that is making it work because you are just one out of several others and why it works for Lagos is the more reason why one has to be very sober and humble to actually know that there is something that is making that to happen and that has to be God,” he said.
The Governor noted that notwithstanding the complexity of managing the massive population of the State, it was evident that Lagos had been hugely prosperous, just as he thanked all those who have helped in managing the State rightly in the last three years. “I just want to say a big thank you to everyone that has actually been a co-traveler in this journey that we have had in the last three years. It has not been easy but somehow to the glory of God, it is evident that there is huge prosperity in Lagos.
“In all these, the complexity of managing 24 million people, there has to be something else driving it and in all situations, we give glory to God; in all situations, we are grateful that He has given us the opportunity to become a source of joy to the rest of Nigeria because Lagos is like the last hope for the country,” Ambode said.

BUHARI, APC TAKING NIGERIANS FOR FOOLS – OBASANJO
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/buhari-apc-taking-nigerians-for-fools.html

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, declared that the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) has officially adopted a new political party, African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform to enable its members achieve their dreams of changing the current state of governance in Nigeria. The former president made the disclosure while addressing a press conference in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital. Flanked by one of his former aide, Dr Gbolade Oshinowo and the former State Secretary to the Government (SSG) of Oyo state, Chief Olayiwola Olakojo, Obasanjo said the decision of the Leadership of CNM to join ADC was borne out of the fact that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled federal government have been taking “Nigerians for fools” for a long time. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, He explained that CNM as a popular grassroot movement, meant to stimulate the interest and participation of Nigerians towards bringing the desired change in governance, found a good ally in the “renewed and reinvigorated ADC” as a political party. The former president however, maintained that he would cease to be a member of the movement just to keep in line with his earlier position that he has quitted partisan politics. “With the emergence of ADC as a political party for the movement and its associates and in line with my clear position which I have often repeated, the first phase of my job is done and I will not be a member of the party”. “But as I have always done since I quit partisan politics in 2014, I will keep alive and active on Nigerian and African issues and interest and I will be opened to offering advice to any individual or organisations for the unity, development and progress of Nigeria and indeed Africa,” he stated. Obasanjo further stated that he would never be intimidated in the course of exercising his rights to freedom of speech wherever he considers such necessary in the interest of the country, Nigeria. The former president vehemently condemned the existence of the two leading political parties: All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), describing them as lacking disciplines.

SENATOR SANI: NO APC CONGRESS IN KADUNA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/senator-sani-no-apc-congress-in-kaduna.html

The senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has observed that the All Progressives Congress, APC, ward congress slated for Saturday did not take place in Kaduna.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Making his observation at Abuja, venue of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Press Freedom Awards on Saturday night, he said, “I am just coming back from my state where party congresses was supposed to hold, there was no party congress.”
In a paper entitled; “Good Governance and Nation Building”, the lawmaker said that there was an onslaught against freedom of the press.
He stated, “Still the media is being seen as the enemy. I think what you should do is to remain firm to your ethics. Do everything possible to report event as it is.”
Sani, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on foreign debts, explained that in the past, news was slow to reach the readers, pointing out that the social media has now changed the dynamics.
“In those days we wait for a week to read analysis and wait for the day to break to read news.
“In those days, you don’t see the bodies of people dismembered. But now images are splashed everywhere on social media,” he explained.
The Senator said that the only reason the media still remains relevant was because it is the only place you can read news without doubts.
He observed that without press freedom, you cannot have a democracy that is truly democratic.
“You have a duty to ensure the electoral body does its job as expected,” Sani charged journalists.

LAGOS, KADUNA, 9 OTHERS BEGIN PENSION REMITTANCE INTO WORKERS’ RSA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/lagos-kaduna-9-others-begin-pension.html

Having fully commenced the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), 11 states have kick-started pension remittance into the Retirement Saving Accounts (RSAs) of their workers, Eyes Of Lagos has learnt. This includes the remittances of both the employees and employers portion of the monthly pension contribution into the RSAs of civil servants across the concerned states. The states are: Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Kaduna, Delta, Anambra, Jigawa, FCT, Edo and Ekiti states. While the states are still using the 15 per cent old monthly contribution shared at 7.5 per cent each between an employee and an employer, Eyes Of Lagos gathered that none of the states across the country have commenced the new 18 per cent monthly contribution of which an employer contributes 10 per cent while an employee contributes eight per cent, as prescribed in the Pension Reforms Act (PRA) 2014. Moreover, Zamfara, Kebbi and Rivers states are only remitting employee’s portion while Imo, Benue, Kwara, Bauchi and Niger states are states with remittances from self-funded agencies. Thirteen states, comprising of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kano, Kogi, Nasarawa, Oyo, Sokoto, Taraba and Abia States have enacted laws, but are yet to commence remittance. However, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross-Rivers, Katsina, Kwara, Plateau and Akwa-Ibom states are at bill stage in their respective state houses of assembly. Yobe remains the only state that is yet to commence any process towards the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). Speaking at a workshop organised by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for journalists in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state, at the weekend, company’s secretary/legal Adviser, PenCom, Mr. Mohammad Sanni Mohammad, said some states have enacted the law but are having remittance issues, while 16 states have not enacted law and appropriation not made. Stating that PenCom cannot prosecute the defaulting states but can only persuade, he said, the federal system of government being operating in the country has limited the commission’s power to prosecute states that are non-compliant to the CPS. For the CPS to become effective in states, he said, the states must first of all, domesticate it in their respective state by-laws, after which necessary appropriation must be made to fully key into the new pension scheme. He pointed out that some states are having challenges to pay salaries of their workers, hence, defaulting in the prompt pension remittance of their workers, adding that, the commission is doing everything possible to persuade more states to join the new pension scheme. However, the new president, Pension Fund Operators of Nigeria (PenOp), Mrs. Aderonke Adedeji, urged workers both in the public and private sectors, to mount pressure on their employers to remit their pension as and when due, noting that, until workers fight for themselves, dubious employers will continue to evade pension remittance of their employees. Earlier, Mr. Ibrahim Shehu Kangiwa, of the Investment Supervision Department of PenCom, announced that Multi-fund Structure of RSA Funds will commence July 1, 2018, having amended and released the Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets to Pension Fund Operators on April 18, 2017. This new provisions in the regulation, he stressed, took immediate effect, except the Implementation of Multi-Fund Structure for RSA Funds which would commence later in the year. The implementation of the RSA Multi-Fund Structure, he said, was delayed to allow adequate public sensitisation and education, noting that, the main objective of the RSA Multi-Fund Investment structure, is to resolve the challenge of Asset-Liability risk management experienced by Pension Funds. This, he pointed out, would be achieved by better aligning the risk and return expectations of Contributors, better matching of pension assets and liabilities and diversification of pension fund portfolios, as minimum limits are set for aggregate investments in variable income securities, for each Fund. To implement this multi-fund, he said, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) would be required to provide contributors with information on the benefits and risks of the various Funds, prior to approving any change, the Commission and PFAs would embark on Public Enlightenment / Sensitization Campaign prior to commencement date. “PFAs are currently carrying out the necessary in-house system upgrades and processes to ensure a robust IT system for the Multi-Fund. The introduction of the Multi-Fund investment structure for RSA Funds would address the varying risk appetite of Contributors, as the different Funds are tailored to fit the ages and risk profiles of Contributors,” he stated. To him, expanding the scope of allowable investment instruments and Fund classes available to Contributors would also improve returns on pension funds, as minimal limits have been set for variable income instruments which generally yield higher returns over a given period.

SHOCK AS BURNING ELECTRIC CABLE FALLS ON RESIDENT IN YABA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/shock-as-burning-electric-cable-falls.html

There was pandemonium at the Tejuosho end of Lagos Mainland yesterday, Thursday, April 26, 2018, after an electric cable fell on a resident whose stall was directly under the pole.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that residents of the community first noticed the fire on the electric cable when power was restored to the area.
As a result of the electric spark, the pole caught fire leaving residents of the area to scamper for safety.
Meanwhile, a resident of the area who sells oranges under the electric pole was caught in the process after the electric cable fell on him.
The victim was seen leaving the spot but returned seconds later only to be caught after the electric cable fell on him.
He was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital where he is currently fighting for his life.
Watch the video below.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uUsO7FlSE8

VIDEO : OLAYIMIKA BABALOLA – NIGERIAN ANTHEM ( YORUBA VERSION)
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/video-olayimika-babalola-nigerian-anthem.html

Babalola, Olayinka Gabriel is a Nigerian –Norwegian child from a Yoruba father from Ile-ogbo, Osun State and a Norwegian mother, a 12year old boy born and bred in Norway and resides presently in Houston Texas, United States of America with his family. He is one of the students of an Educative and Cultural institute situated in Houston Texas, USA known as Lineage Alive foundation which is a foundation focused on teaching both Yoruba youths and adults living in Nigeria and most especially in Diaspora our Yoruba language and Cultural morals and values which is a passion borne out of the discovery that our Yoruba Language, cultural and moral values are fast eroding and we have decided to re-awaken it so as to stop it from getting into oblivion.
Olayinka has shown a great deal of interest in learning Yoruba Language and because of his passion for music, he has featured in many Yoruba cultural concerts in the USA and has released four tracks of Yoruba poems which are ise logun ise, eran ewure, iya ni wura and our National Anthem in Yoruba language and because of his quest to learn more about Yoruba race

watch video here


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrI6HGXZ_u4

LAGOS ATTRACTS $43BN INVESTMENT PROPOSALS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/lagos-attracts-43bn-investment-proposals.html

Lagos State government yesterday said it attracted investment proposals worth $43billion in the last three years in its drive to boost economic prosperity of the state. The special adviser to Lagos State governor on overseas affairs and investment, Professor Ademola Abass made the disclosure at the annual ministerial press briefing held in Lagos. Abass noted that some of the proposals have been transformed into actual investment in the state, saying the office of overseas affairs and investment otherwise known as Lagos global is a one-stop shop established by the present administration in the state to manage overseas affairs and implement policies to attract and promote investment in the state. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, He said: “I am pleased to inform the public that within the last three years of Mr Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration, Lagos State has received investment proposals approximately worth $43billion. “Following the vigorous pursuit of measures geared towards enhancing the ease of doing business, investors have shown considerable interest in tapping into the investment opportunities that are abundant in Lagos.” Abass added that since its creation, the office had inspired investors’ confidence in Lagos as a place to conduct business and live in, which had translated into considerable success, noting that it also pointed to the fact that the state, as an emerging market, was becoming the financial hub and a preferred investment destination in Africa. According to him, a foreign firm, LaTerre Batiment Limited has concluded plans to build a new Island in the state, while another firm, Rockwealth Integrated Services would also commence redevelopment of Amuwo Odofin area into a mixed use real estate development. Other major projects, according to Abass, are Detergent Manufacturing Plant to be sited within the Lekki Free Trade Zone by Gilmore Limited; LED manufacturing factory to be located in Epe by Low Energy Designs Limited; and development of energy savings streetlights across the State, also by Low Energy Designs Limited, while redevelopment of Makoko area by Bufad Engineering Services and reclamation of Land for mixed use development in VGC area by Ja Paul Lekki Heights Limited, were awaiting approval. He said in the bid to grow the economy of Lagos, the present administration also identified key areas critical to growing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the State including power, agriculture, transportation, health, tourism, housing, information technology and manufacturing. He said the focused sectors have already been scanned for investment opportunities with a view to providing foreign investors with an insight into the opportunities that abound in the sectors at a glance, while the turnaround time for transforming proposals into actual investments have also been massively reduced. Besides, Abass said as part of measures to project the investment opportunities in the State to the world, government would soon unveil an advocacy tagged “Lagos To The World (L2TW), which is a multifaceted initiative aimed at using various cutting-edge strategic tools in projecting and effectively communicating the investment opportunities that abound in the State. “To be clear, the campaign has nothing to do with branding or anything of sort. It is a well-pointed strategy aimed at better communicating what the State has got to offer investors worldwide, as well as laying out the benefits that await investors who choose Lagos State as their destination,” he said. Abass said Lagos Global further helped existing investors by providing aftercare services and as well ensure the provision of necessary business support services. He added that, “The office assisted some businesses to establish partnerships with Lagos State Government and to resolve issues relating to taxes, environmental issues, local government and land ownership rights, tax reduction, multiple taxation, land issues, infrastructure and partnerships.”

AMERICAN RAPPER J COLE ARRIVES NIGERIA FOR HIS PERFORMANCE IN LAGOS THIS WEEKEND [PHOTOS]
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/american-rapper-j-cole-arrives-nigeria.html

AMERICAN HIP HOP ACT, J COLE WHO DROPPED HIS 5TH STUDIO ALBUM ‘KOD” A FEW DAYS AGO HAS ARRIVED NIGERIA AHEAD OF HIS PERFORMANCE THIS WEEKEND ALONGSIDE DAVIDO, WIZKID AND OTHERS.

J Cole touched down at the Muritala Muhammed international airport last night as he’s set to headline the Castle Lite Unlocks concert scheduled to hold at Eko Hotel on Friday 27th April, 2018 with performances from other Nigerian superstars like MI, Davido, Falz, Ycee and others.
See his picture when he arrived below;

COURT REMANDS SENATOR NWAOBOSHI IN IKOYI PRISON
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/court-remands-senator-nwaoboshi-in.html

A Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, has remanded Peter Nwaoboshi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator representing Delta North, in Ikoyi prison.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The trial judge, Mohammed Idris, ruled that the senator be remanded till Friday pending the hearing of the his bail application.
Sen. Nwaoboshi was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge of money laundering.

EFCC SEIZES FOUR PROPERTIES FROM PROVOST OVER ALLEGED N359M FRAUD
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/efcc-seizes-four-properties-from.html

A Plateau State High Court has ordered the interim forfeiture of four properties allegedly acquired by the Provost of Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, Plateau Sate, Dr Nkereuwem Etukudoh.
According to Eyes Of Lagos reports gathered, The Spokesman for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement that Justice D. D. Longi ordered the temporary forfeiture of a duplex, two parcels of land and four flats.
The order followed a motion ex-parte by the EFCC seeking interim forfeiture of the said properties, same having being acquired with proceeds of illegal activities.
Etukudo is standing trial alongside the accountant, FSMLT, Yusuf Samuel; Secretary of Tenders Board, Ernest Demtoe; and Goodluck Echewa, and Esio Udoh who are both contractors of FSMLT.
They were charged on 15 counts bordering on conspiracy, official corruption and diversion of FSMLT funds to the tune of N359m.
The statement read in part, “Details of the properties to be forfeited are: a duplex situated at 1 Senator John Mbatu Crescent (Plot 240) Andi Kan Beulah Estate, Phase 2, Kafe, Abuja; and four flats situated at 2 Edem Urua Road, Off Nudo Udoma Avenue, Itam Ikot Ebia Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
“Others include: a parcel of land measuring 4,183.560 square meters situated at Ediene Ikot Obio Imo, Abak Road, Uyo and another parcel of land measuring 2,657.686 square meters at Defarmco Street, Eniong Offot, Uyo Akwa Ibom State.”
It would be recalled that the prosecution had on February 22, 2018 presented its first witness, Ethel Ekam, a former employee of the FSMLT, who narrated how Etukudo and his accomplices allegedly mismanaged N359m FSMLT funds and tendered relevant documents to back up the claim.
However, attempts by the defence counsel to pose questions to the witness relating to a document was objected to by the prosecution as the document referred to was not in an admissible form.
In the meantime, the matter has been adjourned till May 31 from the earlier adjourned date of April 19 – 20, 2018 for cross-examination of the PW1 and continuation of trial.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE RESUMES ON DOWNWARD TREND, DOWN BY 0.12%
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/nigerian-stock-exchange-resumes-on.html

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) market indices resumed for the week on Monday on a negative trend dropping by 0.12 per cent.
The market capitalisation dipped N18 billion or 0,12 per cent to close at N14.724 trillion in contrast with N14.742 trillion posted on Friday.
Also, the All-Share Index which opened at 40,814.89 shed 50.96 points or 0.12 per cent to close at 40,763.93 due to price depreciation.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, An analysis of the losers’ table showed that Flour Mills recorded the highest loss, shedding N1.65 to close at N33.55 per share.
Dangote Cement trailed with a loss of N1.50 to close at N248, while Guaranty Trust Bank was down by 95k to N43.90 per share.
Lafarge Africa lost 85k to close at N43.60, while Dangote Sugar Refinery also dropped by 85k to close at N20.55 per share.
On the other hand, Nigerian Breweries led the gainers’ table, gaining N3.60 to close at N129.70 per share.
Forte Oil followed with a gain of N1.85 to close at N39.50, while GlaxosmithKline added N1.70 to close at N32 per share.
Stanbic IBTC advanced by N1 to close at N50, while FBN Holdings appreciated by 60k to close at N13.45 kobo
However, the volume of shares traded appreciated by 118.84 per cent as investors bought and sold 530.22 million valued at N7.77 billion transacted in 4,567 deals.
This was against a turnover of 242.29 million shares worth N3.03 billion exchanged in 5,746 deals on Friday.
Law Union and Rock Insurance recorded the highest volume of activities for the day, trading 220.75 million shares valued at N253.81 million.
Zenith International Bank followed with an account of 76.67 million shares worth N2.07 billion, while FBN Holdings sold 24.27 million shares valued at N318.74 million.
Nigerian Breweries traded 21.02 million shares worth N2.73 billion, while Transcorp exchanged 17.66 million shares valued at N30.74 million.

EFCC to move into N24 Billion newly built head office
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/efcc-to-move-into-n24-billion-newly.html

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will move into its N24 billion headquarters next month, Eyes Of Lagos learnt at the weekend.

President Muhammadu Buhari is to inaugurate the building.

Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu said yesterday: “I am excited that the headquarters is ready for use.

‘’The Federal Government has spent over N24 billion to build it. I will crosscheck to give you the exact figure.

“I thank Mr. President for according this project a priority. It is part of his commitment to the anti-graft war. This is a legacy project, which many generations will be proud of.

“No leader in Africa has provided such a conducive environment for an anti-corruption agency like President Buhari has done.

“We have also received support from ministers and MDAs on release of funds and necessary infrastructure.

“This commission is grateful to the National Assembly for its interest in the project. Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, chairmen and members of committees on Anti-corruption always visited the site to monitor the work.

‘’It shows that if we are determined, we can be on the same page on this war against corruption. It is not a personal thing.

Magu added: “We are hosting heads of anti-graft agencies in the Commonwealth (Africa chapter) in May and we are hopeful the headquarters will be ready for occupation because it is more than 95 per cent completed.

“We are expecting Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to inspect the facility any time from now.”

The project has passed through three administrations in EFCC.

The construction of the headquarters was initiated by a former EFCC Chairperson Mrs. Farida Waziri.

Following a memo presented by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Yayale Ahmed, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), on November 24, 2010 approved N18 billion for the 10-Storey building.

Another former Chairman Ibrahim Lamorde tried to get the peogramme completed but it was unsuccessful due to poor timeline for release of funds.

Magu, however, succeeded in seeing the project through in the last two and a half years.

IMF UNVEILS NEW CORRUPTION POLICY FOR MEMBER STATES
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/imf-unveils-new-corruption-policy-for.html

The International Monetary Fund will systematically address corruption and its impact on economic growth with all its member countries under new guidelines launched on Sunday.
The stricter new policy also aims to tackle how rich countries contribute to corruption in the developing world by failing to prevent bribery and money laundering or by allowing anonymous corporate ownership.
“We know that corruption hurts the poor, hinders economic opportunity and social mobility, undermines trust in institutions and causes social cohesion to unravel, According to reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said in a statement.
“We have now adopted a framework for enhanced engagement on governance and corruption that aims for a more systematic, evenhanded, effective and candid engagement with member countries.”
Corruption and poor governance sap economic growth and exacerbate inequality, according to the IMF, and the new policy framework attempts to ensure the institution will hold all members to the same standards — something the fund said it had not always done.
The new policy comes as Ukrainian authorities work to implement stringent new anticorruption reforms at the behest of the IMF, which has held up the latest instalment of a $17.5 billion aid package.
The revised good governance guidelines, which take effect on July 1, follow a recent review of the IMF’s 20-year-old policy framework which concluded the fund had sometimes employed euphemisms when discussing corruption in member states — leaving local officials unclear about IMF concerns.
– ‘More intrusive’ –
And IMF analysis sometimes failed to apply the same standards evenly to all members.
Under the new guidelines approved by the IMF board on April 6, the fund will discuss good governance concerns in all annual economic reviews of member countries.
IMF officials however say they do not expect the policy will lead to more stringent conditions on loans, which go to a minority of the fund’s 189 members and which already include anti-corruption provisions.
The fund also will rely on the findings of outside transparency campaigners who have criticized the existence of tax and corporate havens in advanced economies as a conduit for illicit financial flows to and from poorer countries.
However, the IMF will not investigate specific instances of corruption.
Rather, it will focus on the strength of key economic institutions: fiscal and central bank governance, market regulation, the rule of law and policies on money laundering and countering terrorism financing.
IMF analysis suggests falling 25 notches on a corruption index could shave as much as 0.5 percentage points off a country’s annual growth — amounting to tremendous economic losses over multiple years.
In unveiling the new policy on Sunday at the close of the IMF-World Bank spring meetings, Lagarde said the fund’s board supported a “more intrusive” approach to member state evaluations.
“Because it is a macroeconomic issue, the IMF is really perfectly legitimate in acting, especially when we have a program in a country,” she said.

PETROL AND GAS TANKERS COLLIDE IN OJOTA
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/petrol-and-gas-tankers-collide-in-ojota.html

Information reaching us at Eyes Of Lagos has it that an auto crash occurred at the Ojota end of Ikorodu road few minutes ago involving gas and petrol tankers.
According to reports, the petrol tanker rammed into a gas tanker at New Garage in Ojota leading to the officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) closing down both lanes on Ikorodu to and from Ojota in a bid to prevent any form of explosion.
Motorists who are thinking of going towards Ojota axis and its environs are advised make a detour to use alternative routes.
See more photos from the scene below.

DANGOTE CEMENT MAINTAINS DOMINANCE WITH STRONG EARNINGS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/dangote-cement-maintains-dominance-with.html

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Dangote Cement Plc recently released its full-year earnings report for the period ended December 31, 2017 to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), strengthening investors’ interest and confidence. It was also helped by the impressive dividend proposed on the strength of a significant improvement in performance. The growth in the Pan African segment has become more apparent over the years- as the segment contributed 32.1 per cent in 2017. No doubt, the strategy of continuous expansion continues to support the earnings of the cement giant. In 2017, the segment recorded total volumes of 9.37MT, an increase of 8.4 per cent year-on-year, with strong performances in Cameroon 14.8 per cent year-on-year, Ethiopia 13.2 per cent year-on-year and Senegal 21.4 per cent year-on-year. Dangote Cement also extended its frontier into two new markets in 2017, Sierra Leone and Congo, which recorded initial contributions of 91kt and 32kt respectively to total sales volumes growth. Also, shareholders of the company are surely in for a good deal as the company’s directors have recommended an increase of 23.5 per cent in the dividend payout to the shareholders, for the period under review. The amount will translate to N178.9 billion as against a dividend of N8.70 kobo per share that was paid in the corresponding period of 2016. The company’s group revenue grew by 31 percent, from N615.1 billion in 2016 to N805.6 billion, while its net profit rose by 43 percent, from N142.86 billion to N204.25 billion. Earnings per share rose to N11.65 compared to N8.78 at the previous year indicating an increase of 32.7 percent. A breakdown of the report indicated that while sales from the three plants in Nigeria contributed N552.36 billion to the group’s revenue, the balance of N258.44 billion was accounted for by plants in other African countries. Revenue attributable to Nigeria grew by 29.6 percent while that from Pan-African operations rose by 32.5 percent. Though group sales volumes were lower by seven percent due to depressed Nigerian market, Pan-African sales volumes went up by 8.4 percent to 9.4Mt with strong volume increases in Senegal, Ethiopia and Cameroon and new capacities of 1.5Mta in Congo, 0.5Mta in Sierra Leone. Acting group chief executive officer, Dangote Cement, Joe Makoju, speaking on the results said, “Dangote Cement turned in a record year with revenues up 31 percent to N805.6bn and EBITDA up by 50.9 percent to N388.1bn. Although Nigerian volumes were lower in 2017, our Pan-African operations increased volumes by 8.4 per cent and now make up 42 per cent of the Group’s total cement sales, demonstrating the robust diversification of our business. “We expanded our footprint from eight countries to ten with the opening of new facilities in the Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone, while our operations in Cameroon, Senegal and Ethiopia achieved strong sales growth during the year. With total sales volumes of nearly 22 million tonnes, we are by far the leading manufacturer of cement in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Recently, the chairman of the company, Aliko Dangote, while presenting the 2016 reports to the shareholders said the company’s strategy in every country of operations is to be the leader on costs, quality and service. He said the company build large, modern, highly efficient plants that combine the latest equipment from Europe, China and beyond to enable it make higher-quality cement at lower costs, thereby giving it strong competitive advantages. CardinalStone Research said “In 2018, we see scope for further growth in pan African segment as Dangote Cement continues to gain grounds in these countries. Moreover, we envisage increased contribution from Sierra Leone and Congo. Altogether, we expect total volume to settle at 10.77MT in full year 2018, 15 per cent year-on-year growth and revenue to N290.8 billion. “Thus, increasing revenue contribution of the non-Nigerian segment to 33.2 per cent from 32.1 per cent in 2017. Overall, we project group full year 2018 revenue to settle at N915.7 billion. “While our outlook on the counter remains bright, we have made slight downward adjustments to our full year 2018 PAT projections, in light of the recent developments in regard to the tax rate. Consequently, using a blend of DDM, EV/EBITDA and FCFE valuation methodologies, we arrived at a target price of N291.69, with a potential upside of 14.4 per cent, based on the last close price of N255.00 on March 26, 2018. Therefore, we recommend a HOLD.” Analysts ARM Securities Research also said, “Going into 2018, we remain broadly positive on Dangote Cement and expect the company to sustain earnings growth, albeit at a much slower pace than 2017. Specifically, we see volume induced revenue growth and lower energy as key drivers of earnings in full year 2018, relative to the price-induced growth story in prior year.” On pricing, ARM Research said, “we believe with Nigeria gross margin now ahead of the pre-crisis level of ~61.8%, the argument for leaving prices at currently elevated levels to compensate for cost pressures will fall apart.” Cordros Capital noted that the management is targeting seven to 10 per cent volume growth in 2018, saying that stable cement prices and broadly better economic and infrastructure spending outlook in Nigeria are enablers. Outside Nigeria, Cordros noted that Ethiopia, Senegal and Cameroon are expected to continue to perform strongly, and importantly, utilization rate in Tanzania is expected to average 45 to 50 per cent compared to 25 per cent in 2017, as the plant starts running on gas from May. “Whilst acknowledging pressure from competition, management said it expect its Pan Africa prices to be stable from last year and will likely raise prices, specifically in Ethiopia, to offset the impact of last year’s devaluation on prices,” they said. Cordros estimated group sales volume of 24.5 million tones, comprising 14 million tonnes in Nigeria and 10.5 million offshore. Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with nearly 46Mta capacity across Africa. A fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer, with a production capacity of 29.25Mta in its home market, Nigeria. Obajana plant in Kogi state, Nigeria, is the largest in Africa with 13.25Mta of capacity across four lines; Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta and Gboko plant in Benue state has 4Mta. Through recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into an exporter of cement serving neighbouring countries. In addition, Dangote Cement have operations in Cameroon (1.5Mta clinker grinding), Congo (1.5Mta), Ghana (1.5Mta import), Ethiopia (2.5Mta), Senegal (1.5Mta), Sierra Leone (0.5Mta import), South Africa (2.8Mta), Tanzania (3.0Mta), Zambia (1.5Mta).

NCC: MOBILE INTERNET USERS INCREASE MARGINALLY TO 100.9M IN FEBRUARY
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/ncc-mobile-internet-users-increase.html

Internet users in the country increase to 100. 9 million in February from 1.2 million in January, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The NCC made this disclosure in its Monthly Internet Subscribers Data for February 2018 on its website on Monday in Abuja.
The data showed a marginal increase of 670,385 new subscribers in the country.
NCC said Airtel, MTN gained more internet subscribers during the month in review, while Glo and 9mobile were the big losers.
The breakdown revealed that MTN gained the most with over 762,366 new internet users increasing its subscription in January to almost 38 million from 37 million recorded in January.
It said Airtel also gained 247.216 new internet users in February amounting to 25,075,110 million users as against 24,827,894 users in January.
It said 9mobile however lost 146,034 internet users in February, decreasing its subscription to 11,132,153 as against 11,278,187 recorded in January.
The data showed in February that Globacom lost 193,127 internet users decreasing its subscription 26,733,989 from the 26,927,116 recorded in January.

IKORODU – SAGAMU ROAD: HOW RESIDENTS ARE REACTING TO DELAY IN CONSTRUCTION OF DILAPIDATED ROAD
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/ikorodu-sagamu-road-how-residents-are.html

Following the approval of N20 billion by the Federal Government for the rehabilitation of dilapidated Ikorodu–Sagamu Expressway and the cheers that followed the deployment of the construction company, Arab Contractors to site on the part of the residents, the shocking delay in the flag-off of the project has drawn mixed reactions from the residents.
Recall that the flag-off of the construction was scheduled to hold on Thursday, April 12, 2018, in Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland, with the presence of the construction company already evident across different sections of the expressway.
Meanwhile, the shocking announcement to postpone the flag-off of the rehabilitation of the road has dampened the mood of residents of the communities that ply the dilapidated road daily to eke out a living.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to Ajalogun Ola in a Facebook post, he said: “I believe you know what the good people from Odoguyan to Ishagamu are facing daily? If you do, you will know that flag off is not the issue but the work being done to alleviate the problems faced daily from here.”

Olanrewaju Olamina on his part said; “I think we need to go spiritual about that Ikorodu Shagamu road, something must be wrong somewhere. Between yesterday and today three peoples has died. I advice JB to focused on another better project rather than wasting his time on that road. When the time for liberation comes, the road will see light.”
Meanwhile, Eyes Of Lagos learnt from sources close to the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jimi Benson that the construction company, Arab Contractors have moved their equipments to their newly leased permanent site and are ready to commence works on the road in earnest.

SINGER, MOCHEDDAH BLOWS HOT AS IKEJA ELECTRIC SHUTS DOWN OVER 9 TRANSFORMERS IN AKOKA – YABA
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/04/singer-mocheddah-blows-hot-as-ikeja.html

Popular singer and fashion entrepreneur, Mocheddah has taken to her social media page to vent her anger about the present darkness witnessed by members of Akoka community, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.
According to Mocheddah, the community had witnessed power outage for quite a while with the power holding company servicing the area, Ikeja Electric Plc, only supplying the area power for about six hours daily.
She noted that the development led members of the community registering their displeasure to the leaders Community Development Association who subsequently held meetings with the officials of Ikeja Electric to find a lasting solution to the power crisis.
Meanwhile, the meeting “was however unproductive as no solution was given and no definite commitments were given to the people,” Mocheddah said.
The situation led to some members of the community putting out notices on different transformers in the community where they said “No Light, No Pay.”
They were however asked to remove the signs but events took another turn when some officials of Ikeja Electric stormed the community on Sunday, April 1, 2018, with policemen to shut down over nine transformers in the neighbourhood throwing the residents into complete darkness.
This development however drew the ire of residents who have continued to protest the decision by the disco to shut down transformers in the area.
Read Mocheddah’s full post below.
“WHICH WAY NIGERIA ?
NIGERIAN ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION
The power supply has been abysmal since the 1st of April 2018.
My community started experiencing constant power outage sometime in FEBRUARY. We would have a 3 days period of power outage and one day on (about 6 hours of power).
On the 21st of March, 2018, a meeting was called at Ikeja Electric with the community development chairman, to discuss the poor power supply.
The meeting was however unproductive as no solution was given and no definite commitments were given to the people.
The bills are sky rocketing as most people in the community have not been provided with pre-paid meters because of this, I get between N12,000 to N15,000 in power bills for absolutely no power supply. Fuel consumption running into hundreds of thousands a week. Another community meeting was held at Akoka and a letter was written to Ikeja and NERC.
Out of frustration, some members of the community went and put out notices on different transformers SAYING “ NO LIGHT NO PAY “. A meeting was called and the people were asked to remove the signs.
On the 1st of April 2018, PHCN officials namely; ADA, VICTOR DIKE AND, BOLU, made several calls, came with POLICEMEN and SHUTDOWN over 9 transformers in AKOKA!!!! We have been in TOTAL DARKNESS. Victor even has a WhatsApp group for complaints – where he threatens members of the community.
These people are people’s children, husbands and fathers. We blame our leaders all the time and forget to be better human beings in every aspect of our lives.
How can you literarily put POWER in your hands?
You have made lives uncomfortable, businesses suffer for weeks because of your EGO

NIGERIA CAN NEVER SURVIVE WITHOUT NORTH - AREWA
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/03/nigeria-can-never-survive-without-north.html

The debate on Nigeria’s future continued yesterday, with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) declaring that this country cannot survive without the North.

ACF is the North’s apex socio-cultural group. It is seen as its voice.

ACF Chairman Ibrahim Coomassie stated this when the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Forum received leaders of the foremost northern women socio-cultural organisation, Jam’iyya Matan Arewa (JMA), in Kaduna.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The one-time Inspector General of Police said: “We all know that without the North, Nigeria can never survive. We still stand by it. But now is the time to walk the talk in the interest of our people.

“Chibok girls are still missing. Now it has gone to Dapchi in Yobe State. What happened? Are we always going to be the victims? Boko Haram; see what they did to the Northeast. They have spread over to the Northcentral and even to the southern part of the country.

“Should we continue to be regarded in the negative side? No. We are leaders in our own right and we must exercise this responsibility for our people”.

“Whenever there is crisis, women and children are always the major victims. Enough is enough. Enough of killings of our women and children, enough of kidnapping of our daughters and enough of destruction of our property. We are proud that you have come forward to meet us to discuss this issue.”

Coomassie urged President Muhammadu Buhari to end the killings and kidnappings.

JMA Chairperson Aishatu Pamela Sadauki, who was represented by Hajiya Aliko Muhammed, said their visit was to discuss how to protect children and women from incessant attacks.



She said, as mothers, they had been alarmed by continued abduction of children and unwarranted killings, particularly in the region. She stressed the need to address it now, saying it was imperative.

Also yesterday, some prominent Yoruba leaders under the umbrella of Afenifere gathered in Ibadan to restate their stand on restructuring and true federalism to preserve Nigeria’s unity.

To the socio-cultural group, led by its National Chairman Chief Reuben Fasoranti, the only solution to the country’s challenges is restructuring.

Eminent speakers at the Afenifere Oyo State Summit include Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa , Mrs Bukola Oni, Dr. Adebisi Busari, Dr. Gbola Adetunji , Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, and Chief Sehinde Arogbofa.

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Gbade Ojo.

Others at the meeting are: Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu , Dr. Olutoyosi Omotoso , Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, Mr. Nureni Adeniran , Mr. Akin Oke , Otunba Deji Osibogun and Mr. Seyi Makinde. There were many others.

Oyo State Afenifere Chairman Adetunji, pleaded for cohesion and unity of purpose among the Yoruba.

Ajimobi said the “Yoruba nation must strive to continually be relevant in Nigeria’s political matrix and federal arrangement. We must not relent in networking with other ethnic groups. This has become imperative in view of the fact that in the tripod called the North, the Southwest, and Southeast, no ethnic group can go it alone without the support of others .

“We must struggle to register our presence at the centre. Any ethnic group that allows itself to be left behind will continue to be at the mercy of others . The Yoruba nation must continue to have voice in the project called Nigeria. This is in the overall interest of our kith and kin. “

Delivering a lecture titled: “The Yoruba Nation : For better today and tomorrow”, Rev. Ladigbolu called for immediate restructuring of the country to fast rack development .

He said: “Having been a beneficiary of regional autonomy in my younger days, and having participated as an observer of regional politics, I still have strong feelings that regional autonomy ought to be returned to the Yoruba nation and other states in Nigeria.”

Rev. Ladigbolu who called for the preservation of Yoruba culture and heritage, said the idea of restructuring is that each component unit or ethnic nationality, no matter how big or small, desires the strength in the number provided by the union with others , but not a uniformity that can retard it’s growth or swallow it up.

CHIVITA JUICES CO-SPONSORS WORLD SPEECH DAY LAGOS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/03/chivita-juices-co-sponsors-world-speech.html

As part of its consumer engagement and brand building efforts, Chi Limited, through its range of Chivita Juices recently co-sponsored this year’s edition of World Speech day Lagos. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The event held in partnership with organisers of the World Speech Day Lagos, Chivita Juices was the exclusive beverage partner to provide unrivalled refreshment to participants as they unleashed their potentials through the power of speech. With 35 speakers delivering persuasive speeches that addressed local and global challenges, whilst proffering innovative solutions, this year’s World Speech Day Lagos was about tapping into the truly original and inspirational and then making those voices heard. Speaking at the event, Licensee of World Speech Day Lagos, Florence Atunwa Olumodimu, thanked the management of Chi Limited for partnering as the exclusive drinks partner to refresh participants at the World Speech day Lagos “It is heartwarming to see company like Chi Limited which is driven by the power of innovation, identify with us and offer quality refreshment to participants at the World Speech Day Lagos event. Through this, Chi Limited inspires excellence by celebrating the simple power of a speech to encourage new ideas and change lives,” she stated. According to Chi Limited’s managing director, Deepanjan Roy, by leveraging innovation and excellence, Chivita Juices have maintained market leadership in their respective categories and is proud to partner with the World Speech day Lagos as the exclusive beverage partner. Participants at the event said driven by a passion and commitment to excellence, CHI Limited is one of the most admired companies in the domain of Food & Beverages in Nigeria.

CHECK OUT HOW LAWMAKER EMPOWERED HIS CONSTITUENTS IN IKORODU
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/03/check-out-how-lawmaker-empowered-his.html

Ten members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland, who contested but lost out during the last local government election in the state now have a reason to smile.
This is because last Friday, the aspirants got needed support from the legislator representing Ikorodu Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Bolanle Agunbiade, who is also the Majority Leader of the assembly.
At an event held at the lawmaker’s constituency office along Obafemi Awolowo way, Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland, the lawmaker gave the ten party faithful a brand new bus.
Commenting on the development, the lawmaker said he was glad that in fulfillment of his heart desire, he was privileged to be giving the APC members opportunities through which they can thrive beyond politics.
He explained that his gesture is aimed at cushioning the effects of the loss the youths might have suffered as a result of their botched political ambitions.
“They contested for councillorship positions on the platform of our party. They didn’t get it. Others did. This is to cushion the effect of that loss and also give them opportunities to become entrepreneurs in the transport sector with these buses,” he said.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Speaking after receiving the keys to their new buses, some of the beneficiaries thanked Hon. Agunbiade while describing him as a politician with a good heart. They expressed surprises at the unexpected gesture and promised to remain faithful to the ruling APC.
“I cannot describe this gesture. This has never happened before. Agunbiade is the first person I know who will bother himself about the fate of defeated councillorship aspirants. He is a rare breed,” a beneficiary said.

DAVIDO CELEBRATES HIS FATHER'S BIRTHDAY
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/03/davido-celebrates-his-father-birthday.html


Davido shared a family picture with his father on instagram to celebrate him , Davido writes : Happy birthday Daddy ! Your the greatest person I know! If not for you I do know know where we will all be ! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO ENLARGE UR COAST ! YOUR HEART IS TO RARE ❤ We all learn from you ! ❤ you so much ! From your last born - OBO

cc: lalasticalala ,mynd44

abi

KingsCare:
Boss

cc: mynd44 ,lalasticalala

WIZKID GOES SHIRTLESS AS HE POSSES WITH GWAGON BENZ
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/03/wizkid-goes-shirtless-as-he-posses-with.html

Wizkid goes shirtless as he posses with Gwagon Benz in anticipation of his new starboy single Soco

FOREIGN EXCHANGE, CAUSE OF HAJJ FARES HIKE – NAHCON
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/foreign-exchange-cause-of-hajj-fares.html

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria says it is still computing cost of various components that make up the total package of the 2018 Hajj fares.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad, stated this at a one-day sensitisation and enlightenment campaign for 2018 Hajj pilgrims and Ulama, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the commission approved N1.5 million as the 2017 Hajj fares and fixed $800 as the Basic Travel Allowance for all pilgrims.
The approval followed the appearance and defence of the proposed fares by all the state pilgrims welfare boards and agencies.
However, the 2017 Hajj fare was not uniform across all the states, unlike in the previous years, for instance NAHCON approved N1, 544,894.16 for Nasarawa State; N1,525,483.30 for Niger and N1, 535,503.68 for Kaduna State.
Muhammad, however, said the commission had directed State Muslim Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions to collect deposit of the same amount paid in 2017, before NAHCON would finish computing the total fare for this year’s Hajj.
He assured that the commission would consult all stakeholders and relevant government agencies before agreeing at a cost of each component of the Hajj fare.
He said: “Right now, we are trying to compute the total cost of the 2018 hajj fares but before that we have directed state pilgrims boards to collect deposit of N1.5 million as paid during 2017 Hajj.
“If after computing the cost we arrive as N1.5 million that is all, but if it is lower or higher than the deposit collected we will explain to the public as usual.”
He said the U.S. dollars constituted 98 per cent component of the Hajj fare because NAHCON used dollars to pay for all services that would be rendered to pilgrims.
He appealed to Ulamas (Islamic clerics) to assist the commission in education intending pilgrims on new Saudi Arabian policies on Hajj and Umrah in order to bridge information gap.
The executive chairman said clerics had a role to play in ensuring hitch-free Hajj operation not only in the areas of education and enlightenment of intending pilgrims but also have a duty to ascertain their character and decency.
He said as part of measures to curtail incidences of absconding, NAHCON had introduced guarantorship and endorsement form by Jumma’at Imams to ascertain that any person traveling for Hajj would not abscond.
According him, it is only Jumma’at Imams that will sign and endorse the forms to stand as guarantors of intending pilgrims.
The NAHCON boss advised Imams to sign and endorse forms of persons who have no questionable characters, saying “If you stand as a guarantor of anybody that abscond you will be arrested”.
Muhammed said: “If you are not sure of the character of any intending pilgrims that comes to you to endorse his or her forms don’t approve it.
“Make sure you know somebody who knows him very well and who can attest to the fact that the person will come back because before you endorse his form.”

SUPER FALCONS RECEIVE N25M IN OUTSTANDING BONUSES, ALLOWANCES
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/super-falcons-receive-n25m-in.html

The Nigeria Football Federation have paid some of the outstanding bonuses and allowances owed the Super Falcons.
The bonuses for 18 players and 10 officials which amounted to about N25 million was for the away draw against Senegal for the 2016 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Some of the players who confirmed this said they received credit alerts for their outstanding bonuses and allowances direct from Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday.
Each of the players received $2,000 while their officials were paid $3,000 each, while the head coach Florence Omagbemi got $4,000 for the draw against their Senegalese counterparts in Dakar about two years ago. In all about $66,000 was paid.
“What we got was $1,500 bonus for the draw and five days daily allowances of $500 each. We are still expecting the bonus for the victory against Senegal in the return leg in local currency. We thank God that the NFF kept to their promise to offset all they owe us,” the Falcons player, who is based abroad, confided in CSN.
The players who received alerts include Ugo Njoku, Ohale Osinachi, Ibubeleya Whyte, Chikelu Rita, Edoho Blessing, Ngozi Okobi, Desire Oparanozie, Evelyn Nwabuoku and Osas Igbinosa among others while the officials included Ann Chiejine, Perpetua Nkwocha, Faith Anuge, Ejiro Babafemi and Bilikisu Sulola.

KIDNAPPERS OF VOA JOURNALIST’S WIFE, SON DEMAND N12 MILLION RANSOM
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/kidnappers-of-voa-journalists-wife-son.html

The abductors of the wife and son of a Nigerian journalist have asked for a N12 million ransom for their release.
Nasiru Yakubu, a journalist with Voice of America, Hausa Service, posted on his Facebook wall Wednesday morning that kidnappers stormed his house at Birnin Yero, a small community in Kaduna State, at about 1:30 a.m. and took away his wife and son.
Eyes Of Lagos source close to the family said Wednesday evening that they were still negotiating to rescue the captives.
“They called him (Mr. Yakubu) this afternoon demanding N12 million ransom,” said the source who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak with journalists on the matter.
“The money is too much for the family but we are negotiating to see how the wife and child will return home safely,” he said.
The source declined to make further comments so as not to jeopardise the safety of the victims.
“We don’t know who is listening. That is why we are being careful talking about the issue. Our concern for now is to see how they will be freed safely, God willing,” he said.
The source said a few weeks ago, a woman was also kidnapped in the community and a ransom was paid to secure her freedom.
It was learnt that kidnappers had been terrorising the ‎community located in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Another resident of the area who pleaded for anonymity earlier told this paper that in the past six months, 10 people were abducted by kidnappers in the area.
“My community is a bit far from his but I can tell you that about ten people have so far been kidnapped in Birnin Yero in less than six months. Their family paid ransom before they regain their freedom,” he said.
‎The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the journalist was not at home when the kidnappers arrived his resident Wednesday night around 1:30 a.m.
‎His neighbour and staff of FRSC was shot dead by the kidnappers when he tried to stop them.

TOP AMERICAN COMEDIENNE TO PERFORM ON THE LAGOS MAINLAND
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/02/top-american-comedienne-to-perform-on.html

Kristina Wong, an American performance artist and comedian, is in Nigeria for the Lagos Theatre Festival., and will conduct master classes for performing arts students, faculty, and theatrical directors at the University of Lagos, Lagos Mainland, and other places like; Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, and PEFTI Film Institute.
Wong is notable for her works focusing on women and economic empowerment.
Wong will also perform her critically acclaimed Wong Street Journal show on Friday, March 2.
Eyes of Lagos gathered that, The event will be hosted by John Bray, US consul general, at Terra Kulture Arts and Cultural Centre, Lagos.
Darcy Zotter, public affairs officer, US consulate general Lagos, said Wong’s visit to Nigeria will strengthen cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
We are pleased to support Kristina Wong’s participation at the 2018 Lagos Theatre Festival. She is one of the many American arts professionals who have come to Nigeria to give performances, and mentor young Nigerian artists.”
The festival runs from February 27 to March 4.